Well, according to the book, Ask a Science Teacher by Larry Scheckel, there are a few reasons
why these covers are round. In this post, we’ll take a look at his explanations
and then answer a few other questions about manhole maintenance and repair.

Why Does Scheckel Think Manholes Are Round?

Read through the following reasons that Scheckel thinks
manholes are round. Do you agree with them?

• Manholes are
round to “resist the compression of Earth around it.”

• Round accessories
are easier to manufacture than rectangles or square.

• When something is
round and heavy, it’s easier to move than other shapes.

• Installation goes
faster because plumbers don’t have to match angles. The round design makes it
easy for the covers to slip right in place.

• Circular covers
can’t fall through the opening.

This last point is probably the most important for
commercial property owners because it means that the circular design prevents
damage to the cover. Whenever a manhole is created, there is a lip around the
hole’s rim. This lip holds the cover in place. In order for this to happen, the
underlying hole has to be smaller than its cover. Because round covers can’t be
installed incorrectly, there’s no chance of the cover falling into the hole.
This isn’t the case with either rectangle or square shapes. If the cover’s
installed at an angle, even slightly, this could cause the cover to fall into
the hole and cause damage.

A missing manhole cover as the result of falling into the
hole isn’t just a cosmetic problem and it doesn’t just damage underground sewer
pipes. If you have a cover that suddenly falls below the surface, this spells
bad news for pedestrians and drivers who aren’t paying attention. Yikes!

So, there you have Scheckel’s explanation for why manhole
covers are round. Now, let’s talk about why manhole covers are important for
your underground pipes.

Manhole Thefts Are on the Rise

You might wonder why someone would want to steal manhole
covers. Monetary gain is usually the #1 reason for thievery and manhole covers
are no exception. The simple fact is that manhole covers can be recycled for
money, which makes them enticing for people looking to score a little extra
cash. However, if you have missing covers on your property this leaves your
underground sewer pipes exposed and accessible to anyone. It also puts you in a
position for being liable should someone accidentally fall in the hole.

Those two reasons are why it’s important to take extra
precautions to ensure manhole protection. So, what can a utility service do to
keep their covers in place? Here are a few suggestions.

Consider Welding

Some municipalities have started welding their covers to
stop thievery. However, this might not be the most cost-effective solution if
sewer contractors need to gain access to the manhole. You’ll have to go through
the expense of hiring someone to break the welded seal.

Bolt in Place

A better solution could be bolting the cover in place using
a 5/8-inch hex-head bolt. The bolt works well with a standard locking head and
is a great deterrent. Why? Well, you might think a bolt is easy to remove with
the right tools, but that’s exactly the point. Most thieves don’t have a 5/8
Allen wrench handy to remove a bolted manhole cover.

Consider Installing Plastic Manhole Covers

While plastic manhole covers aren’t standard in the United
States, the U.K. has been using plastic covers in an attempt to prevent manhole
cover robberies. The country decided to start using plastic covers because they
don’t have any scrap value since there’s no metal in them.

Install a GPS Tracker

This might seem a bit extreme, but if you’re constantly
getting targeted by scrap metal thieves, a bug can help you track down your
covers. At the very least, develop relationships with recycling centers in the
area and notify them when covers go missing.

Do you need to make manhole repairs? If so, contact Street
Works Engineering. We’re available 24/7 for all emergency commercial plumbing
and street work services. Call us at (888) 377-4002.

]]>3 Signs Your Underground Sewer Pipes or Manhole Enclosures Need Repairinghttps://streetworksengineering.com/blog/3-signs-your-underground-sewer-pipes-or-manhole-enclosures-need-repairing/
Wed, 13 Feb 2019 16:00:15 +0000http://streetworksengineering.com/?p=1556As a building owner or manager, it’s your responsibility to do regular audits of your facilities sewer and manhole utilities. Doing so helps you to avoid expensive repairs as well as liability issues. Unfortunately, many building operators aren’t aware of where their sewer drains and manholes are located on their property. If you’re in this camp, let us offer a little help. These components to your outdoor plumbing system are typically found in alleys, parking lots, easements, and in yards.

With the right type of maintenance and consideration, most
people believe that sewer drains and their apparatuses have the ability to last
a lifetime. While it’s true that these
parts of the commercial plumbing system have a reputation for longevity, it’s
also a fact that their lifespans can be cut short because of their exposure to
outdoor elements. This exposure often leads to deterioration and requires
immediate repair to prevent further problems.

What deterioration? That’s a great question that we’re going
to address in this post.

Pooling Water

Water that begins to pool on top of your parking lot or
another paved surface should never be ignored. It’s not just an inconvenient
problem, it’s a drainage issue that needs to be taken care of right away. The
longer you allow pooling water near curbs or manholes, the higher the chances
are that you’re going to create major problems for vehicles and pedestrians.
Building owners who don’t take care of these issues quickly often find that
they need more expensive repairs sooner. Another issue that you need to keep an
out for is sand or rocky streaks forming in low spots in the paved areas.

So, what causes pooling issues? There are usually two
reasons that these issues happen. The first is improper slope planning when the
surface was paved. It’s essential to have a sloped in your parking lot in order
for water to make its way into the drains. The second reason for pooling water
is inaccessible inlets in grassy areas for water to access during heavy rains
or long period of rainfall. Both of these issues are something that you need to
address to fix pooling water problems and protect your sewer system.

Sewer Blockages

Another common problem that causes sewer pipe repair is the
buildup up waste that washes into the sewer drains. Everyone knows that waste
from toilets and sinks go into the sewer system, but many people don’t realize
that liquid in parking lots also make their way into the pipes. This type of
waste often includes things such as leaves, trash, sticks, and chemicals from vehicles.
If too much waste gets into the storm drainage part of the sewer system, this
causes pipes to crack and also causes pipes to back up.

Do you have trees or large bushes planted in or around your
building’s parking lot? If so, this is another reason for sewer line repair and
manhole problems. Root intrusion causes pipes to break and makes it impossible
for your sewer system to do its job.

Building owners can prevent these types of sewer repairs by
staying on top of parking lot maintenance. By keeping parking lots clean and
free of debris, you prevent excessive amounts of waste from entering the sewer
system. Also, consider the benefits of video sewer camera inspection services
to spot signs of impending trouble.

Deterioration Around Manholes

Have you noticed significant deterioration around the
manhole covers in your parking lot? This isn’t as uncommon as you might
imagine. Extreme weather and erosion affect the stability of the brick and
concrete surfaces that support manhole covers and catch basins. Additionally,
allowing pooling water to continue to exist is another reason you might need to
repair manholes. Once the concrete or brick supports have been compromised,
manholes covers begin to sink and cause serious problems for vehicles and
people walking in the area. Get a handle on these issues before they become
expensive problems. Building owners can do this by inspecting catch drains and
manhole cover enclosures frequently.

Have you noticed problems in your parking lot that you think
could be related to a sewer drain or manhole enclosure problem? If so, contact
a bonded sewer contractor right away. At Street Works Engineering, we offer
underground sewer pipe services and manhole cover services in Los Angeles,
Orange County, and San Bernardino County. Call us today at (888) 377-4002 to
discuss your problem at length.

]]>How to Hire the Best Crew for Underground Utility Excavation Serviceshttps://streetworksengineering.com/blog/how-to-hire-the-best-crew-for-underground-utility-excavation-services/
Tue, 12 Feb 2019 16:00:13 +0000http://streetworksengineering.com/?p=1555When you need underground sewer pipe repair or water main
installation, it’s important to hire the best contractors for the job. Doing
so, safeguards your project against unexpected problems that could cause your
building to shut down temporarily. We don’t have to tell you that even the
slightest amount of downtime can have huge effects on your bottom line. So,
when you need to hire a crew for underground utility repairs, consider the
following to find the best team.

Sewer Pipe Locating Services

Before digging begins, it’s important to know what types of
utilities are underneath the surface. This doesn’t just mean the ones that need
servicing. Ideally, you have this information from when you bought the property
or when you had utility locating service done. However, as we all know, we
don’t live in an ideal world. The majority of commercial properties change
hands and this information gets lost in the exchange. Or, the information is
outdated because of recent renovations or changes to the building’s footprint.

Regardless, it’s critical that you hire commercial sewer
contractors who take pipe location very seriously. Contractors who start
excavation work without knowing what types of underground lines are in the
vicinity should be avoided at all costs. Instead, only hire contractors who
understand the importance of protecting all types of underground utility lines.

Hydro-Excavation Services

Some companies offer what is called hydro-excavation. This
is a great option for working around underground utilities. When soil needs to
be removed around underground lines, hydro-excavating uses a vacuum truck and
high-pressure water to do this safely and avoid disturbing lines.

Isn’t hydro-excavating more expensive?

That’s the rumor, but sewer contractors who use this method
argue that it’s much more cost-effective than hand-digging during excavation to
avoid damaging perfectly good lines. Contractors also stress that
hydro-excavating increases safety on the job and reduces energy. When heavy
equipment isn’t used to move dirt, there’s less of a chance of being injured
because an electrical line was hit.

While this method is suitable for every job, it might be for
yours. Check with your sewer contractor to find out if hydro-excavation is an
option.

Responding to Surprises

When searching for a contractor for underground work, learn
as much as you can about their past jobs. Also, ask them if they ever ran into
any problems and how they handled those issues. Running into a problem doesn’t
make the contractor unworthy of your business. In fact, it’s unusual for
unexpected problems not to pop up here and there. Surprises come with the job.
What you want to know is how well the crew responded to the challenge. Did they
stop work right away and formulate a plan? Did they communicate with the
business and let them know what was happening? The answers to these questions
help you determine how well the team manages obstacles.

Safety Record

Many excavation jobs that involve large-diameter underground
sewer pipes often require digging underneath streets and sidewalks. These are
public-right-of-way areas. If you have a job that requires this type of
digging, it’s important to know that the crew has a clean safety record. What
type of safety restrictions do they put in place around the area to make sure
that the public isn’t in any danger? Do they manage traffic flow well? How many
people will be onsite working on the line versus how many will be managing the
safety aspects? Knowing this information is important so the public isn’t put
at risk during the repair. The last thing you want is to be liable for
accidents caused by inept contractors.

Credentials

It is essential that you only hire bonded sewer contractors
that are approved by the city. These individuals have the authority to pull
permits. They have permission to dig under public-right-of-way areas. Never
assume that a commercial plumbing company has these credentials. In fact, if
you’re looking for a contractor for the first time, contact your city to get a
list of approved contractors.

Do you need a city-approved sewer contractor in Los Angeles?
Street Works Engineering has the credentials to do all underground sewer line
repairs and water main installation. Contact us today at (888) 377-4002 for
24-hour emergency commercial plumbing services in L.A. County, San Bernardino
County, and Orange County.

]]>Tips for Controlling Root Growth in Sewer Lineshttps://streetworksengineering.com/blog/tips-for-controlling-root-growth-in-sewer-lines/
Mon, 11 Feb 2019 14:00:11 +0000http://streetworksengineering.com/?p=1554Residential and commercial sewer lines in Los Angeles are
equally susceptible to root intrusion. Unfortunately, many commercial property
owners don’t realize that their underground sewer pipes are at risk of
developing this problem. Whether it’s the misconception that large-diameter
sewer pipes are immune to the issue or it’s just something that isn’t
acknowledged doesn’t matter in the long run. What does matter is being
proactive and taking the right steps to protect your building’s sewer system
from being infiltrated by tree roots.

What Is Tree Root Intrusion?

We all know that trees grow vertically. What many people
don’t realize is that they also grow horizontally; their root bases grow
horizontally, that is. Small trees have root bases that don’t grow too fast or
too big, but some tree species have fast-growing root bases that extended up to
10 feet out from the base of the tree. Of course, you never see the root base
because it’s always underground. For this reason, many people are taken by
surprise when their sewer contractor tells them they have root intrusion.

Intrusion happens when the tree’s root base starts to grow
in or around the sewer pipe. Sometimes the intrusion isn’t a major problem. It’s
just a few roots that can easily be hydro-jetted away. Other times the problem
is so severe that sewage can’t move through the pipe and it begins to back up
into the building.

How to Determine if Root Intrusion Is a Problem

If you have large trees planted near the sewer line on your
property, it’s important to have regular video sewer camera inspection
services. Once a year, have a sewer contractor run a camera through the pipe to
make sure that roots haven’t started growing into the pipe. During the inspection,
the sewer contractor also looks for signs of damage to the sewer pipe. While
damage doesn’t necessarily mean there’s root intrusion to worry about, it does
set the scene for potential problems.

Roots grow in the direction of water and nutrients. If you
have a sewer pipe that’s cracked, it means that it has the potential to leak.
Roots are more likely to grow into cracked sewer pipes that those that are
intact. Fix any cracks to make sure that roots aren’t going to be a problem.

Regular Hydro-Jetting

Another way to keep roots from causing problems is to stop
small problems before they get bigger. An easy way to do this is to have annual
sewer cleaning services. Hydro-jetting is a great way to get rid of small roots
and keep the problem at bay.

Remove the Trees

If you’re continuously dealing with root growth in sewer
pipes, consider removing the trees and their stumps. While tree removal can be
costly, it does save you the expense and inconvenience of sewer line
replacement.

Plant the Right Type of Trees

For building owners interested in planting trees on their
property, it’s a good idea to work with a tree service to find out which trees
have slow-growing root systems. The best trees to plant in a yard include the
following:

• Mediterranean fan
palms

• Many fruit tree
species

• Certain cypress
and cedars

• Wafer Ash

• Sabal palmetto

• Magnolias

These are low-risk plants that look great and can be planted
anywhere in the yard.

Now, what about the trees to avoid? Keep the following high-risk
trees at least 10 feet from the sewer line or consider avoiding planting them
altogether:

• Sycamore trees

• Willows

• Oak and fig trees

• Maple trees

• Aspen trees

• Elm trees

• Birch trees

Need Sewer Line Replacement? Use the Right Type of Pipe

Some pipe material is more susceptible to cracks. If you
find yourself in a position where you need to replace a sewer line and have
trees on the property, consider steel or PVC pipes. These pipes are the least
susceptible to root intrusion.

If root intrusion is a problem you’ve been dealing with for
some time, contact Street Works Engineering for commercial sewer line services
in Los Angeles. We offer trenchless pipe lining service as an added layer of
protection for low-to-moderate root intrusion as well as other valuable
underground services. Our sewer specialists clear roots and get your sewer
system working as good as new in no time at all. Call us today at (888)
377-4002.

]]>Dig-free Sewer Repair Solutions for Municipal Serviceshttps://streetworksengineering.com/blog/dig-free-sewer-repair-solutions-for-municipal-services/
Sun, 10 Feb 2019 16:00:08 +0000http://streetworksengineering.com/?p=1553When unforeseen problems happen to underground sewer
utilities, we know that municipalities are under a lot of stress to figure out
the best solution fast. At Street Works Engineering, we know how important it
is for cities to have access to affordable sewer repair solutions that are
quick and don’t inconvenience the public. The best methods that make these
types of repairs go smooth and fast are dig-free sewer repair methods such as
the following:

• Hydro-jetting

• Lateral
pipelining

• Lateral
reinstatement

• Localized point
repair

•
Manhole-to-manhole trenchless pipelining and,

• Pipe locating

How the Dig-free Process Works

Before any repair work on municipal water or sewer pipelines
is started, it’s essential to know what’s going on below the surface. This is
done using high-quality video inspection equipment to identify the problem, the
precise location, and the extent of the damage. Knowing this information allows
bonded sewer contractors to formulate a solid plan for repair or replacement.

Often municipalities will also ask sewer contractors to use
their video equipment to help them locate pipes and lines that could be affected
during the repair. These utility lines include telephone and cable lines,
septic lines, gas, electric, and other utility lines. Even though sewer
contractors won’t be working on these lines, it’s critical that their location
is known in order to prevent accidents. When sewer lines have been damaged and
need repairing, this affects city residents. The last thing municipalities want
is to have another essential line damaged that inconveniences their residents.

Once it’s determined what the problem is, the right
trenchless method is chosen. There are a couple different options that sewer
contractors have to choose among. Two popular options include the following:

Pipe bursting: This method is used when the
entire line needs to be replaced. Instead of digging up the soil along the
entire line, contractors insert the pipe bursting tool into the entry point.
This tool is used to break up the old pipe into fragments and allows a brand
new pipe to be laid in place behind the old line as it’s broken up.

Pipe relining: When only sections of pipe are
broken, pipe relining is the preferred trenchless method. Sewer contractors
reline the damaged section of pipe using an epoxy coating. One of the benefits
of this type of repair is that it makes the existing pipe twice as sturdy as
before.

Why Municipalities Choose Trenchless Methods

Not only are trenchless methods less destructive, but
they’re also extremely safe. Unlike excavating damaged lines and potentially
causing damage to other utilities, trenchless pipe repair is straightforward
and carries less risk. It also doesn’t require streets and sidewalks to be
blocked off for days or weeks at a time like traditional pipe repair often
does. In many cases, trenchless pipe repair is completed within a day.

Another reason for choosing trenchless pipelining is
affordability. Municipalities already have tight operating budgets. The last
thing they need is to deal with a sewer pipe problem that’s going to cost
five-figures to fix. The exact cost of trenchless lining services is determined
by the extent of the problem, but in most cases, trenchless lining costs
significantly less.

What Is Manhole-to-Manhole Lining

This is another type of no-dig underground sewer line
repair. It’s like trenchless cured-in-place pipe (CIPP) lining, but the entry
points to make the repairs are the manhole openings. Anytime that plumbers have
the ability to use pre-existing entry points it makes the job go faster and
greatly reduces labor and material costs. When manhole-to-manhole lining is
available, municipalities are happy! It’s a quick and affordable way to achieve
municipal sewer line repair.

Do you need municipal sewer line services in Southern
California? Contact Street Works Engineering. We’re a commercial plumbing
service with bonded sewer contractors who work 24 hours a day, seven days a
week. We assist municipalities throughout Los Angeles, Orange, and San
Bernardino Counties with affordable and professional underground pipe repairs
all day, every day. Count on our crew for attention to detail and quality,
long-lasting repairs. Our licensed plumbing team is available today to fix
those nagging sewer and water main problems and keep your constituents happy.

]]>Tips for Efficiently Managing Your Storm Drainage Systemhttps://streetworksengineering.com/uncategorized/tips-for-efficiently-managing-your-storm-drainage-system/
Sun, 10 Feb 2019 15:10:47 +0000http://streetworksengineering.com/?p=1549All large commercial properties from baseball stadiums and
shopping centers to college campuses and medical centers, have storms drains.
These drains are installed for one reason and that reason is to prevent
flooding during heavy rainstorms. Most property owners don’t pay much attention
to these drains because they silently do their jobs. It’s only when they begin
to fail that people take notice. By this time, you may have more on your hands
than dealing with a flooded parking lot. You could end up with large sinkholes
that lead to major property destruction.

At Street Works Engineering, we don’t want to see these
problems happen to our customers. We know how important storm drains are for area
businesses and do everything we can to educate our customers about how to care
for these drains the right way. Additionally, we make it a priority to assist
local businesses with fast, convenient, and effective storm drain cleaning. In
this post, we want to talk about the two reasons that storm drains fail and
what you can do to get ahead of potential problems.

Why Storm Drains Fail

The two reasons why storm drains stop working well include
clogged catch basins and the type of material that the storm drain pipe is
constructed from. Let’s talk about catch basin problems first.

Catch Basin Issues

How often have you noticed the catch basins on your
commercial property becoming filled up with debris such as sticks and leaves or
even road debris like car parts or trash? This happens becomes the wide grates
that cover the catch basin’s opening makes it easy for these objects to get
stuck. It’s a common issue that happens in all catch basins.

If it’s so common, then what’s the problem?

Well, what tends to happen is that people ignore the
material stuck in the grate. Or, they don’t see any material in the grate and
decide that there isn’t a problem. However, sometimes leaves and sticks and
those other materials get pass the grate, but they aren’t able to move through
the pipe. It’s not unusual for commercial properties in the area to go decades
without getting catch basin cleaning. This is a serious problem because a
commercial plumbing system’s storm drains are made to move a certain amount of
water through the pipe. Unfortunately, when catch basins become severely
clogged, the pipe ends up carrying more water but at a lesser flow rate. This
results in standing water that can’t pass through the pipe. Where’s it going to
go?

You guessed it! The water is going to back up into streets,
parking lots, and other public areas making it very inconvenient for employees,
clients, and anyone else. Serious storm drain damage can also result in fines
from your local municipality.

Pipe Material

Storm drain pipes are constructed of two kinds of pipe
material: either concrete or corrugated steel. This type of steel has a grooved
inside that looks similar to the threads on a screw. Pipes made from this steel
material tend to corrode because of something called Microbiological Influenced
Corrosion (MIC). When this happens, the chemicals inside the pipe system are
actively breaking down the metal in the pipe. It’s similar to a parasite
feeding off a host, if that helps you visualize what’s happening. Eventually,
the pipe gives way to the chemicals and cracks and small leaks begin to form.

Although concrete pipes won’t corrode like corrugated steel,
they are still capable of developing cracks and leaks. Commercial pipes are big
and heavy with pipes as big as 8 – 10 connected together, pipe after pipe after
pipe to form the line. The pipes are connected using rubber gaskets that tend
to leak over time.

In addition to leaks from faulty rubber gaskets, another
reason that concrete pipes leak has to do with their knockouts. These are holes
at each end of the pipe that were made so sewer contractors could install
chains into each end and get the pipe in place. Once the chain is removed, the
holes are filled in with concrete. Yet, over time knockouts almost always start
to leak.

No Area Is Immune to Storm Drain Problems

Although Southern California doesn’t receive rainfall
amounts like some places in the country, we still get heavy downpours and rain
showers. If your property’s storm drain isn’t in good condition, it doesn’t
take much rain for problems to happen.

That’s why it’s important to be on the lookout for signs of
storm drain problems. These signs include things such as the following:

Dips in the road

Standing water

Occasional flooding

Slow drainage

Sinkholes

These are all signs that the pipes connected to the storm
drainage system aren’t working correctly and need attention.

With regular inspection and storm drain cleaning services,
it’s possible to minimize the threat of flooding or sinkholes from storm
drains. To learn more about how to do this at your property, contact Street
Works Engineering today at (866) 377-4002. Let us help you protect your
property!

]]>Is There a Sewer Crisis in America?https://streetworksengineering.com/blog/is-there-a-sewer-crisis-in-america/
Sat, 09 Feb 2019 15:11:04 +0000http://streetworksengineering.com/?p=1552It’s hard to imagine that how Americans use the bathroom has
changed so much since the first sewer pipes were laid. However, ask any sewer
contractor in Los Angeles, and you’ll likely hear some stories that will make
you cringe. The truth is that toilet usage has changed a lot over the years and
the sewer infrastructure isn’t strong enough to handle the influx of
non-organic and organic waste, especially commercial sewer systems.

According to a 2015 story published by The Atlantic, “Flushing the
Toilet Has Never Been Riskier.” As local sewer contractors who work on
commercial sewer pipes every day, we couldn’t agree more, and the problem is
only getting worse.

Waste Removal Isn’t
Magic

Yet, when you ask people where waste goes when toilets are
flushed, you get some looks. Although most people have a general idea of what
happens, the whole process is still kind of a mystery. Now, 20% of people who
use septic systems know what happens because they’re responsible for the
maintenance. It’s the other 80% that don’t quite understand that sewer pipes
aren’t magical tunnels to another dimension called “municipal water-treatment
plants.” This is where the problem originates, especially for commercial
building owners trying to maintain their plumbing lines.

So what are the problems exactly?

Some of the problems have to do with how people use, or rather
misuse toilets, and also with aging treatment plants and private property sewer
infrastructure. Let’s talk about the first problem.

Toilets Are Not
Trashcans

Most people know that you can’t flush anything other than toilet
tissue and organic waste. However, there are plenty of companies that produce
products that have become widely used and the disposal information given out
about these products is misleading, which leads to confusion.

For examples, 50 years ago tampons and personal cleansing wipes
weren’t widely used products. Because they weren’t used at much (or at all),
they weren’t being flushed and pushed through the sewer system. Today, these
products are used all the time and marketed as being flushable. Unfortunately,
the sewer systems of yesterday aren’t designed to handle the waste of today,
which leads to major clogs in municipal waste-treatment plants.

Commercial buildings also deal with overuse and misuse, especially
in venues like stadiums, arenas, and commercial restrooms that serve thousands
of people daily. Not only does the drain and sewer system get inundated with
feminine hygiene products and wipes, but other things like paper cups, paper
towels, diapers, food wrappers, and other objects that should never be flushed.
Unfortunately, people don’t treat public restroom facilities with the same
cautiousness that they give to their own bathrooms at home. Often, this
behavior is the result of believing that commercial bathrooms are able to
withstand different types of waste products.

Aging Sewer
Infrastructure

The other problem that makes using toilets riskier and riskier
from a plumbing perspective is that many of the sewer pipes that travel from
private properties to water-treatment plants are brittle and close to failure.
Years ago, sewer pipes were designed to handle smaller waste loads. Yet, as
populations in cities around the country have increased and rural areas have
turned into thriving suburban and urban areas seemingly overnight, the sewer
pipes aren’t in good enough shape to handle the heavier waste loads. This means
that commercial property owners are finding themselves dealing with sewer
breaks more often and facing expensive repairs.

Commercial Sewer
Solutions

So, where does this impending sewer crisis leave business owners?
Well, it means that commercial property owners need to make their sewer pipes a
priority. It means that they can’t just assume that everything is work fine and
then deal with the problems when they happen. Operating in this manner puts
your business at risk because often when the problems do pop up, they’re very
serious and involve expensive repairs and eat into your company’s revenue.

At Street Works Engineering, we work with commercial sewer lines
on a daily basis. We deal with large-diameter sewer pipes that are several
decades old, and we get up close and personal with some of the nastiest
problems. To stay ahead of potentially serious issues, we recommend that all
commercial property owners have their sewer lines inspected for signs of
damage. We also recommend a thorough sewer line cleaning to get rid of decades’
old sludge. Sewer video inspection services and cleaning services are an
invaluable part of keeping your sewer system working properly.

Also, remind employees, customers, and anyone else using the
restroom facilities in your building to be careful about how they use the
toilets and sinks. Sometimes people just need a little education about how to
treat commercial plumbing.

Do you need commercial sewer line repair, replacement, or
maintenance service in Los Angeles? Contact Street Works Engineering. Our
city-approved and bonded sewer contractors fix underground sewer and water main
lines throughout the region. Call us today at (866)-377-4002 to schedule an
appointment!

]]>6 Reasons Lift Pumps Failhttps://streetworksengineering.com/blog/6-reasons-lift-pumps-fail/
Fri, 08 Feb 2019 15:10:53 +0000http://streetworksengineering.com/?p=1551Commercial septic systems sometimes need to remove
wastewater from the premises moving from a low-pressure to a high-pressure
environment. Wastewater is removed in this manner in order to overcome issues
related to gravity and geographical obstacles. In order for this to happen, the
septic system must use lift pumps. These pumps move waste into a drainfield for
safe filtering. Unfortunately, lift pumps can fail just like any other
mechanical part of the system. When they do fail, commercial septic tank owners
typically notice that the tank begins to overflow or develop a bad smell. To
know if this is the issue you’re dealing with, check out our troubleshooting
tips to determine if you need professional commercial septic tank services.

Noises

You can learn a lot about your building’s septic system by
listening to it, especially when you’re dealing with the lift pump. If the lift
pump sounds like its operation keeps getting interrupted or it’s not making any
sound, it’s very probable that it has jammed or become clogged.

It’s not uncommon for lift pumps to develop clogs. The good
news is that clogs are easily removed, and the pump should work good as new.

Leaks

Sometimes wastewater and effluent back up into the septic
system. When this happens, the culprit is usually a faulty valve. The valve
isn’t creating enough pressure and allowing leaks. If the pressure isn’t the
issue, it could be that the valve is cracked or the seal needs replacement. In
order to stop the leak and get the lift pump working again, you need to have
the valve fixed.

Float Problems

Some lift pumps use a float. This device is used to check
sewage levels. However, sometimes the float gets damaged or it becomes stuck.
When this happens, the lift pump won’t work. Often, all you need to do is fix
whatever’s causing the float to stick. In some instances, you need to
completely replace the float. Check with your septic tank specialists to figure
out the best solution.

Too Much Water

Do you have a time-dosed system? If so, you might end up with
this problem. In this situation, the tank takes on too much water too fast. The
lift pump isn’t able to clear out the tank in enough time and problems like
spillage occur. Most of the time, all you need to do is adjust the timing of
the septic system and the problem goes away.

Wiring Problems

Does it appear that your lift pump isn’t working at all? If
it’s not working and doesn’t respond to the previous troubleshooting
techniques, there’s a good chance that you have a wiring problem. Start by
checking your circuit breaker to make sure it’s getting power. If the circuit
breaker looks good, use a multimeter device to check that the wires to the
septic system to see which are getting power and those that aren’t. This helps
you narrow down what wires need replacing.

A Bad Motor

If it doesn’t appear to be a wiring problem and electricity
is getting to the pump, it’s likely you’re dealing with a bad motor.
Unfortunately, when you find yourself in this situation, it’s best to call for
professional septic tank repair services to replace the motor.

Taking Care of
Commercial Septic Tank Parts

Like any sort of plumbing fixture, mechanical parts break
down and some parts need replacement sooner than others. Commercial septic
systems take on large waste loads and require frequent maintenance to make sure
everything runs smoothly, including the lift pumps. With regular maintenance
checks, it’s easier to spot small problems that have the potential to shut down
your system.

Do you need commercial septic tank maintenance or repair
services? If so, contact Street Works Engineering. Our sewer and septic
contractors work on commercial-grade septic tanks all the time and know the
most common problems that happen to high-volume tanks. We know how to identify
problems quickly and make accurate diagnosis and repairs.

Don’t let septic tank problems cause your business to shut
down because of raw sewage backups or spills. Instead, contact the local pros
with 30+ years of serving the communities of Los Angeles, Orange County, and
San Bernardino. We’re ready to send someone right now. So, call Street Works
Engineering at (866) 377-4002.

]]>How to Know When to Choose Commercial Septic Tank Repair or Replacement?https://streetworksengineering.com/blog/how-to-know-when-to-choose-commercial-septic-tank-repair-or-replacement/
Thu, 07 Feb 2019 15:10:52 +0000http://streetworksengineering.com/?p=1550When sewage backs up into your building or customers start
complaining about bad smells from the bathroom, this means something is wrong
with your commercial septic system. Whether or not you need septic tank repair
or replacement depends on what’s actually causing the problem and the cost to
fix the issue. Some commercial septic tank repairs cost only a few hundred
dollars to fix like when there’s a broken pipe. However, if the drainfield
needs replacement or there’s an equally serious issue, repair costs quickly
skyrocket to as much as $10,000 or more.

It’s always a good idea to contact a commercial septic
contractor to check out the problem before you jump to any conclusions about
repair or replacement. Of course, we know that everyone likes to have an idea
of what’s going on before a commercial plumber arrives on the scene. So, keep
reading to learn more about when repairs will do the trick and those times when
septic tank replacement is the only option.

When to Repair the Problem

The good news is that many septic problems are easy to solve
and require simple repairs. For examples, when there’s standing water, or a
sewage odor occurs between the septic tank and the drainfield, this is often an
indication that there’s a broken pipe. With advanced treatment systems, the
same symptoms often require your septic maintenance professional to adjust or
replace a part.

Do you have an aerobic treatment unit? This is a septic unit
that aerates the tank in order to break down the waste faster. If your building
uses one of these units and you’ve shut down for the holidays or for another
extended time period, it’s possible that bacteria have died off. In this case,
you simply need to give the system time for the bacteria to repopulate and do
its job.

When to Replace System Components

It’s unfortunate, but if your septic tank’s drainfield has
failed, it often means you need to replace a part of or all the septic system.
Commercial property owners facing this situation have a few options. Speak
directly with a septic specialist to discuss these options and discuss pricing.
It’s hard to give an exact price for replacement in a blog post because we need
to see the area that’s affected in person.

Even in instances where the drainfield is broken, the actual
septic tank may still be okay. When you’re able to reuse the tank, this saves
money and it keeps your building’s landscaping or yard intact. However,
sometimes commercial property owners decide to go ahead and replace the tank or
move it to another location that’s better suited. Again, this is something to
discuss with your septic professional.

Getting it Fixed

Your local health department and state environmental agency
have special procedures in place that must be followed exactly when repairing
or replacing a system. To begin with, you must always have the work done by a
qualified septic tank company. Also, make sure that the company you choose has
experience working with commercial-sized septic tanks. Residential plumbers
won’t do for this type of job.

Do you own commercial property in Southern California? If
so, contact Street Works Engineering. Our team of commercial plumbers works on
commercial septic systems. We are approved to start working on these systems
today and are authorized to pull all necessary permits. When you hire SWE, we
promise to work with you to find the most economical solution for your septic
tank issues. We’ll present you with options for repairs when necessary and walk
you through the septic tank replacement process if this is what is the best
course of action.

For commercial septic services in Los Angeles, Orange
County, and San Bernardino County contact Street Works Engineering today at
(866) 377-4002.

]]>Why You Need an Effective Stormwater Management Systemhttps://streetworksengineering.com/blog/why-you-need-an-effective-stormwater-management-system/
Wed, 06 Feb 2019 15:10:45 +0000http://streetworksengineering.com/?p=1548Does your company have an efficient stormwater management
system in place? Rain is always welcome, especially when it’s been weeks since
even a sprinkle fell from the sky. However, if your commercial property’s
drainage system isn’t properly maintained, even the smallest amount of rain can
spell trouble for your property.

When stormwater has nowhere to go, it doesn’t take long for
this problem to turn costly. Unfortunately, not every property owner knows how
to manage stormwater. In fact, many commercial properties don’t have any clue
about the state of the drainage system. In this post, we take a closer look at
the red flags that let you know you have a problem and the ways that poor
stormwater management can wreak havoc on your property.

Red Flags You Should Never Ignore

It’s not hard to determine if your property has drainage
issues. In fact, once you read this list, you probably won’t be too surprised,
especially if you already suspected you had a problem. So, here we go. The
following are 10 signs of poor drainage you should NEVER ignore:

If you notice any of these issues, contact a commercial
plumber who offers storm drain management services. Even the slightest issue
requires immediate attention and here’s why.

What’s at Risk

It doesn’t take a lot of water to cause expensive problems.
That’s why we stress the importance of identifying problems right away.
Commercial property owners who wait to take care of stormwater issues put their
business at risk.

• When you have
drainage issues, it makes your building look bad. People don’t want to do
business with companies that can’t or won’t take care of their buildings.

• Drainage issues
cause insect problems that can have serious health consequence. Can you say
mosquitos? Even if mosquitos don’t carry the Zika virus, you still don’t want
your customers or employees to have to deal with the consequences of a bite.

• Standing water
also causes structural issues that have costly consequences and could even shut
your business down while repairs are made.

• Business owners
who address storm management problems not only protect the value of the
property but also improve overall water quality. True story!

We think you get our point. It’s important to have a plan.

The Best Time to Address Storm Drain Issues

You might think we’d say anytime and, yes, it’s true that
you can fix these problems any time, there is an optimal time to do so. We
suggest tackling drainage issues during a timeframe when the area is receiving
a good deal of rainfall.

Wait? Didn’t you just say I need to have a plan in place
before heavy rain arrives?

Well, you can’t have a plan until you know what’s wrong.
When the area is dry, it’s hard for storm drain specialists to identify
potential problems. It’s when the rain begins falling that water problems
become easier to spot.

Another time to consider looking into your stormwater
management plan is when you’re in a “fat season.” This is the time of year when
many property owners have more money in their budgets to take on new projects.
For a lot of business owners, this is in the fall, but you have to determine
the time that’s best for you.

How Much Does Bad Drainage Cost Companies?

It really just depends on when you catch the problems. If
drainage issues have been happening for a while, it’s possible that there’s
more damage than what you can see by the naked eye. The longer you wait to take
care of the problems, the more money you’ll end up spending hiring a commercial
plumbing company to come out and take care of the problem. Not only will you
have plumbing costs, but there could also be construction costs associated with
building rehabilitation.

Ignoring unsafe conditions also means you risk legal
problems. If tenants, customers, or other visitors slip and fall because of
standing water, you risk the cost associated with liability issues.

Another cost you could incur could be fines or fees for
failure to abide by local codes. Commercial properties are required by nearly
every municipality to maintain and make improvements to their stormwater
management as needed.

Does Your Commercial Property Need Stormwater Management Help?

Street Works Engineering is a commercial plumbing service in
Los Angeles, CA, that specializes in commercial plumbing such as storm drain
cleaning and installation, catch basin repair and trenchless drain services. If
you’re having stormwater drainage issues, contact us today to take care of
these problems once and for all.